Crikey - Croc Meets Python (nf)

[Nemo]

Neat photo and Story

 

 

An unusual clash between a 6-foot (1.8m) alligator and a 13-foot (3.9m) python has left two of the deadliest predators dead in Florida's swamps.

The Burmese python tried to swallow its fearsome rival whole but then exploded.

 

The remains of the two giant reptiles were found by astonished rangers in the Everglades National Park.

 

The rangers say the find suggests that non-native Burmese pythons might even challenge alligators' leading position in the food chain in the swamps.

 

Clearly, if they can kill an alligator they can kill other species

 

Prof Frank Mazzotti

 

The python's remains with the victim's tail protruding from its burst midsection were found last week. The head of the python was missing.

 

"Encounters like that are almost never seen in the wild... And here we are," Frank Mazzotti, a University of Florida wildlife professor, was quoted as saying by the Associated Press news agency.

 

"They were probably evenly matched in size. If the python got a good grip on the alligator before the alligator got a good grip on him, he could win," Professor Mazzotti said.

 

He said the alligator may have clawed at the python's stomach, leading it to burst.

 

"Clearly, if they can kill an alligator they can kill other species," Prof Mazzotti said.

 

He said that there had been four known encounters between the two species in the past. In the other cases, the alligator won or the battle was an apparent draw.

 

Burmese pythons - many of whom have been dumped by their owners - have thrived in the wet and hot climate of Florida's swamps over the past 20 years.

Edited November 20, 2006 by Nemo

[BabyHerc]

Pretty darn cool

[Rizzo]

neat photo, I bet there is a very nice smell there

[jason27fish]

never seen anything like that before looks like it would have hurt

[Headhunter]

Looks like a lot of potential for new foot ware there!

HH

[Sandbag]

That is unbelievable .

[GbayGiant]

Awesome story.

[Daplumma]

Those are the last two critters I want to see when I'm setting up my tent at night!What a story,bet that was a real struggle in the swamp.

Joe